Environmental, health, and safety (EHS) managers are always looking for ways to lower risk, stop hazards and accidents, and improve the organization’s overall safety culture. All of these goals can be attained using the effective technique known as behavior-based safety (BBS).

What is Behavior-based Safety?

In its most basic form, behavior-based safety (BBS) is a method that increases workplace safety by monitoring and analysing individuals’ work-related conduct. Let’s examine some of the key concepts in BBS and the actions EHS managers and specialists could take to put the concepts into practise in their enterprises.

However, before moving on, we must highlight one point in order to dispel a common misconception regarding behavior-based safety: The aim of behavior-based safety is NOT to hold employees accountable for safety failures. It entails positively encouraging safe behaviours while simultaneously providing constructive criticism when dangerous behaviours are observed.

The fundamental idea behind behavioural safety is to help workers complete a task safely as the result of a string of safe behaviours. BBS supports in identifying the causes of at-risk behaviour on the job as well as the steps necessary to transform it into safe behaviour.

Through the use of tactics and activities, the BBS approach promotes safe behaviour. Tools that can be employed in a behavioural safety framework include safety meetings, safety signage, training, safety regulations and policies, and more. Additionally, it uses positive or negative performance feedback to encourage safe behaviour and correct unsafe activity. It also observes behaviours to determine whether they are safe or dangerous.

Positive Feedback is Important

A major element of effective behavior-based safety and an effective method for reinforcing safe behaviour is positive verbal reinforcement. When expressing your observations to staff on safe behaviours, be specific about what you witnessed. Be sure to mention the person or group by name when offering feedback. When giving good feedback, avoid using the words “but” or “however” as doing so lessens the effect of the message.

Importance of Corrective Feedback

We stress that behavior-based safety is not about criticising employees, but you should never ignore unsafe behaviour because it could result in an incident, an accident, or even worse. When you observe an employee acting in an unsafe manner, you must provide them remedial feedback.

Corrective feedback includes suggestions for improvement together with information on what an employee is doing poorly. Instead of merely warning employees—which could lead to backlash against your efforts—it highlights a particular habit and increases the possibility that safer behaviours will be adopted in the future.

Remember the following while giving corrective feedback:

  • Be focused and concentrating on the appropriate behaviour; avoid describing any other behaviours.
  • Be objective and talk about the behaviour, not the person.
  • Make sure employees understand the importance of safe behaviour for their safety as well as how to engage in it.

EHS Managers

Increasing a company’s entire safety culture is another benefit of Behavior-based safety. For the purpose of averting incidents, EHS managers can employ BBS to pinpoint both safe and risky activities. By having frequent, consistent, and open communication about safety issues like conduct, organisations may make safety a key tenant of their corporate principles and a vital part of their overall culture.

By taking a more considerate attitude to their actions, EHS managers, personnel, and upper management may create a culture where safety is top-of-mind every single day. When combined with suitable tracking and monitoring techniques, behavior-based safety can help you ensure that employees not only complete their jobs but do so in a way that actively enhances their health and safety.

Behavior-based Safety Consultancy & Bespoke Training @NIST Global

Employers that wish to improve their safety culture as well as proactive organisational employees can both benefit from the BBS (Behaviour Based Safety) Training Programme & Consultancy. To arrange for specialised on-site or offline training in behavior-based safety or BBS Consultation by professionals to utilise fundamental competencies, get in touch with NIST Global.

For behavior-based safety training or consulting, contact our experts at +91 8754465588, or send an email to info@nistglobal.com.

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